Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread

This cheesy roasted garlic bread is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing side that turns any family gathering or game night into something special. Piled high with melted mozzarella and Monterey Jack on soft Pan Sobao, and laced with roasted garlic paste, it's an easy favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a lively Super Bowl spread. My cousins and I would have loved digging into something like this during our big holiday potlucks. With butter, fresh parsley, and a golden Parmesan finish, you'll want to snag a piece before it disappears from the dinner party table.

I first made this for a family holiday dinner and it was gobbled up so fast everyone asked for the recipe. Now it’s my go-to when I want to impress without fuss.

Ingredients

• Two whole heads of garlic: for roasting the rich, mellow garlic paste
• Olive oil: helps caramelize and soften the roasted garlic cloves
• A pinch of salt: enhances the garlic’s sweetness
• One loaf of Pan Sobao: a traditional Puerto Rican bread that is soft and slightly sweet if unavailable, French baguette works well too
• Four tablespoons of softened salted butter: to make the garlic butter spread creamy and flavorful
• One tablespoon roasted garlic paste: reserved from the roasted heads for maximum garlicky punch
• Two tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley: to add a bright, herbal freshness
• Half a teaspoon salt and a quarter teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: to season the butter mixture
• One and a half cups shredded mozzarella cheese: for gooey, melty coverage
• Half a cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: for creaminess and a mild bite
• Quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese: that browns beautifully in the oven for a nutty finish

Instructions

Prepare Roasted Garlic:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Take the two whole heads of garlic and slice the tops off to expose the cloves inside. Drizzle olive oil generously over the exposed cloves then sprinkle a pinch of salt on top. Wrap each head tightly in aluminum foil to keep the garlic moist during roasting. Place the wrapped garlic heads directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 45 minutes until the cloves are deeply caramelized and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool so the garlic can be safely handled. Squeeze out the softened cloves from their skins into a bowl and mash them thoroughly into a smooth, fragrant paste.

Mix Garlic Butter Spread:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter with one tablespoon of the roasted garlic paste you just made. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley, half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Whip everything together until the mixture is smooth with garlic evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Prepare the Bread:

Take the loaf of Pan Sobao bread and slice it in half horizontally creating two large flat pieces ready for the toppings. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves making sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor impact.

Add the Cheese Trio:

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered surfaces. Next, add the Monterey Jack cheese over the mozzarella distributing it to cover the bread completely. Finish by dusting the grated Parmesan cheese on top which will give a savory golden crust when baked.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Arrange the bread halves cheese side up on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and lightly golden edges. For an extra special finish, switch the oven to broil and place the bread under the broiler for one minute watching carefully to create blistered golden spots without burning.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool just slightly so slicing is easier. Sprinkle a bit of extra fresh parsley over the top if you like for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Slice into thick strips or squares and serve warm so the cheese is wonderfully melty.

My favorite part is definitely the roasted garlic paste. It took me a while to learn to roast garlic properly but now that I do it regularly, it completely changes the flavor profile. One memorable time I made this for a holiday potluck and someone complimented the garlicky richness but couldn’t quite put their finger on what made it so good. I knew it was that perfectly caramelized paste doing all the magic behind the scenes.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to preserve freshness. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at medium heat to restore crispiness and melt the cheese again. If you want to freeze, wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Pan Sobao bread, use a French baguette for a firmer texture and crunchier crust which is great for soaking up the garlic butter and cheese. Monterey Jack cheese can be swapped for smoked Gouda which adds a subtle smoky depth enhancing the flavors. Fresh parsley can be replaced with fresh basil to add a slightly sweet and peppery twist bringing a hint of Italian flair to the bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this garlic bread alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or chili for a cozy meal. Pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. Cut into smaller squares and add to a party platter alongside cured meats and olives for an irresistible snack.

This cheesy roasted garlic bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and simple to make ahead. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, garlicky goodness.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What is Pan Sobao and can I substitute it?

Pan Sobao is a soft, slightly sweet Puerto Rican bread. You can substitute it with a French baguette for a firmer, crunchier texture.

→ How do I roast garlic properly for the spread?

Slice the tops off whole garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil and salt, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 40-45 minutes until caramelized and soft.

→ Can I use different cheeses instead of Monterey Jack?

Yes, smoked Gouda is a great alternative, adding a smoky depth while maintaining creamy meltiness.

→ How can I achieve a crispy bottom crust?

Toast the bread cut-side up for 3-4 minutes before spreading the garlic butter and cheeses to get extra crispness.

→ What’s the best way to get a bubbly, golden cheese topping?

Bake at 400°F until bubbly, then broil for one minute while watching closely to get a nicely blistered top without burning.